12 Ways to Conserve Energy in 2026
Conserving energy at home can be beneficial in a number ways. Best of all, it’s not hard to do. It can be as simple as turning off an appliance you’re not using. Check out these effective tips on how to conserve energy in 2026
How To Conserve Energy
1. Use natural light
Daylighting according to the department of energy, is the use of skylights or windows to bring sunlight into your house. Proper lighting design of your home can help reduce the amount of artificial light you need to use.
The energy department notes that North-facing windows let in an even amount of natural light compared to south-, east-, or west-facing windows. You can look into passive solar home design techniques.
2. Change your daily behaviors
Your choices can play a big role in conserving more energy. Be aware of any lights or appliances you’re not using and make sure they’re turned off. The energy department has great information about when to turn off your lights.
Minimize the use of your HVAC system by using less AC in the summer and less heating in the winter. Heating and cooling typically makes up more than 50% of the energy consumption in your home. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce the HVAC energy consumption at your home.
3. Use smart power strips
If you’re unfamiliar with a smart power strip, it’s a device that turns off electricity for you. As an example, if you turn off your television, the power strip will turn off the cable box, the game consoles, and other devices that are in standby mode.
Devices that are not left powered at all times can potentially save you hundreds of dollars. Best of all, smart power strips generally cost around the same price as a regular power strip.
4. Install a programmable thermostat
Energy Star estimates that a smart thermostat can help consumers achieve save 8% on HVAC bills. Programmable thermostats adjusts home heating and cooling equipment according to a schedule that’s been pre-set.
You could have your thermostat maintain 70 degrees in the day and 65 degree at night. If you can have it pre-set to temperatures that are seven to 10 degrees from it’s normal setting for at least 8 hours a day, you could potentially save 10% on your HVAC costs.
5. Reduce water heating usage
The less your water heating is being used, the less energy being used. There are a few tips you can follow to reduce your water heating usage.
Take warm showers over baths. A bath uses up more heating than a quick shower. You can also turn off the water when applying soap and shampoo to save more.
Solar water heaters can be even more effective way to reduce your electricity as the water heater will be powered by the use.
Lastly, natural gas water heaters are good since they consume less energy. You can learn more effective ways to reduce water heating costs at home.
6. Properly insulate your home
Proper insulation of your home is important for using less energy. Make sure any gaps with your windows are filled in. Applying low emission window film on the inside of your windows can help reduce heat in your home.
Curtains, weather stripping and white blinds are also good for insulation as well. You can create more natural shade around your home by having plants and trees. It’ll help lower the air temperature by about three to six degrees, and thus reduce the amount of energy you need to use.
7. Have your light decorations on a timer
You’ll be familiar with this tip from our sustainable Christmas lights article. Using light decorations set on a timer will keep them from being on all night. It’d also be a good idea to look into LED light decorations.
8. Have your HVAC system upgraded
It’s possible that the current HVAC system in your home is not operating efficiently. As a result, you’re using more energy, and your energy costs are higher than they need to be. Have an HVAC specialist inspect your system to see what upgrades can make it run better so you can save more.
9. Get rid of energy vampires
An energy vampire is any device that continues to use energy even when it’s turned off. Examples of items that do that include:
- Cable boxes
- Video game consoles
- Mobile devices
As mentioned earlier, smart power strips can be effective in cutting off power when devices are not in use. But if you get a regular one, just turn off the power strip yourself when you’re done using all the appliances.
Additionally, you should unplug devices you don’t use often, such as a TV in another room or a DVD player. Put your computer on sleep mode and replace old devices with more energy efficient ones.
10. Clean air filters
According to the Department of Energy, not cleaning air filters in air conditioners can increase your energy use. You can get information from a HVAC professional on how to clean or replace your air filters.
11. Try energy-efficient light bulbs
LED light bulbs can last 25 times longer and use up to 90% less energy. While LED bulbs have been expensive in the past, the prices have been decreasing in recent years.
12. Hang your clothes outside
The Almanac notes that air-drying your laundry can reduce the carbon footprint of the average household by 2,400 pounds. It’s estimated that households can save up to 20% on their utility bills. Whenever it’s warm outside, try hanging your clothes outside to dry them off.
